Posing as Physician Assistant Lands Kissimmee Teen Behind Bars for One Year

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

The Kissimmee, Florida, teen found guilty in August 2012 for impersonating a physician assistant (P.A.) faced up to 20 years in prison for two counts of impersonation and two counts of practicing without a license. On November 14, 2012, the teen was sentenced to one year in jail by an Osceola County judge.

The phony P.A. was given credit for his 264 days already served in jail, so he will only have to spend the remaining 101 days behind bars. The judge ordered the teen to receive mental health counseling, and he will also serve eight years of supervised probation, according to WESH news in Orlando.

In August 2011, the teen tricked emergency room doctors, nurses and patients at Osceola Regional Medical Center into thinking he was a P.A. He even allegedly administered CPR to a patient. The charade ended before anyone was hurt.

During the sentencing a psychologist testified on the teen’s behalf, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The article stated that the psychologist believes the teen lost sight of the consequences of his actions as his desire to be someone else took over.

The judge warned the teen that his probation prohibits him from owning or wearing medical apparel. The teen is also not allowed to visit any hospitals. According to the Orlando Sentinel, violating any of these terms will land him in prison.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. http://www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.